According to reporters, before the Lunar New Year, establishments in Bat Trang pottery village were busy producing and preparing many ceramic products to serve customers. Among them, the elaborately and delicately crafted mascot statues representing the new year attracted many people's attention.
Meaning of snake mascot
Artisan Nguyen Trong Nghia (born in 1986), owner of a ceramic workshop in Bat Trang with many years of experience, said that this year, the demand for snake mascots from customers is somewhat lower than last year (the year of Giap Thin - dragon mascot). However, many artisans and workshops still produce many quality, elaborately crafted products.
The artist shared that according to the concept of East Asians, among the 12 zodiac animals, the snake is a mascot representing flexibility, intelligence and brilliance. In Buddhism, the snake is considered a mascot of righteousness, enlightenment, kindness, and the ability to protect and defend goodness.
The snake mascot of the year of the Snake 2025 is a unique work of art to decorate the living space, showing a deep understanding of spiritual culture, rich in positive energy, helping the homeowner to always be lucky, receive fortune under the protection of peace, happiness and success.
This year, artisan Nguyen Trong Nghia’s workshop only focuses on launching 3 snake mascot products. The most prominent of which is the work Ky linh At Ty 2025.
The ceramic artwork was inspired by the snake god that protects and shelters Buddha. The artist said: "In Buddhism, the snake god (Naga) has many images: 1 head, 3 heads, 5 heads, 7 heads, or 9 heads, each image has its own meaning.
Legend has it that when Buddha Shakyamuni reached Nirvana, the snake god appeared to lift him up and protect him while his fellow disciples could not follow him. From there, the design idea of the snake mascot in 2025 focuses on the image of protection, shelter and fortune.
The mascot has a crown on its head, symbolizing power and majesty, combined with stylized lines to create an impression. The decoration includes gilded motifs and dry enamel beads to increase artistic value.
In addition, the workshop also produces another mascot model holding a vase of wealth, symbolizing abundance and wealth. The details on the snake are designed by artisans, are creative and do not necessarily resemble any snake species in nature. Some models also have a playful style to suit the preferences of many customers.
When introducing the product, the color scheme and layout of the statue will highlight the meaning and value of the mascot, hoping to bring positive feelings and protection in the new year.
The passion and concerns of an artisan
To complete a snake mascot product, potters and artisans must go through many stages, from shaping, trimming, carving... to heating at temperatures of thousands of degrees Celsius.
According to Mr. Nghia, modern technology today has contributed significantly to optimizing and simplifying the stages of making Bat Trang ceramics. However, to create a product that is sophisticated, detailed, and has its own unique spirit, it requires the hands of true craftsmen.
Before launching the official product, artisan Nguyen Trong Nghia spent many hours researching the meaning of the product and customer tastes. The shape of the sample product was also adjusted and modified many times to suit.
"When sculpting the statue, we calculated and designed the snake's head to be slightly tilted upwards. After being fired, this part will lower to a moderate height, creating the feeling that the snake is sheltering and protecting the Buddha," said Mr. Nghia.
Although the workshop is still busy at the end of the year, artisan Nguyen Trong Nghia admits that the number of orders this year is much lower than last year, sometimes only 1/10. However, through these products, he still wants to convey a different message and meaning about the snake mascot to everyone.
According to the artist, snakes are cunning and agile creatures. In addition to their protective and sheltering meaning in Buddhism, snakes are a symbol of the connection between the human world and Nirvana in Hinduism.
Besides, snakes are also a symbol of the medical profession. Snake venom also has medicinal properties, if we know how to use it properly.
"Through this, we can see different perspectives on the year of the snake and the snake mascot. I hope this perspective will be expanded and more popular, so that everyone can welcome the year of the snake and snake mascot products in a gentle and lucky way at the beginning of the new year," the artist shared.
